Endogenic and Exogenic Processes

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Questions and Answers

What does the theory of continental drift claim about Pangaea?

Pangaea was a result of weathering processes.

Pangaea was formed by volcanic activity.

Pangaea still exists as a single landmass.

Pangaea broke into smaller continents approximately 225 million years ago. (correct)

Which type of plate boundary is characterized by plates moving toward each other?

Convergent plate boundary (correct)

Subductive plate boundary

Transform plate boundary

Divergent plate boundary

What characterizes an explosive volcano?

It has not erupted for thousands of years.

It releases lava that flows smoothly.

It sends ashes and gas high into the atmosphere. (correct)

It erupts only gas without lava.

Which process involves the freezing and thawing of water inside rocks?

Frost wedging Signup and view all the answers

What is the main result of chemical weathering?

Changes in the chemical composition of rocks Signup and view all the answers

What type of volcano has erupted recently and shows signs of activity?

Active volcano Signup and view all the answers

What does mass wasting refer to?

Movement of rock and soil down a slope due to gravity Signup and view all the answers

Which weathering process involves the reaction of minerals with water to create clay?

Hydrolysis Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a landslide from other forms of mass movement?

It involves the movement of rocks and soil due to weakening. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of flow mainly consists of solid particles with little or no water?

Granular Signup and view all the answers

How does the law of superposition relate to relative dating?

It states that the younger rocks are found above older rock layers. Signup and view all the answers

Which agent of erosion is primarily responsible for shaping landscapes through sediment transport?

Gravity Signup and view all the answers

In the concept of angular conformity, what happens to rock layers?

Younger rocks are deposited on top of older rocks at an angle. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term unconformity refer to in geology?

A gap indicating a period of erosion or a pause in sediment accumulation. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the flow type known as slurry?

Rock materials saturated with water moving fluidly. Signup and view all the answers

What principle does relative dating use to estimate the age of rock layers?

The layering and positioning of rocks relative to each other. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Endogenic Processes

Pangea: A supercontinent that existed ~225 million years ago, breaking apart into smaller continents.
Earthquake: Shaking of the ground.
Plate Boundaries:
- Convergent: Plates move towards each other.
- Divergent: Plates move away from each other.
- Transform: Plates slide past each other.
Volcanism: Lava erupts on Earth's surface.
Magnitude: Measures energy released in an earthquake.
Intensity: Measures the degree of shaking during an earthquake.
Volcano Types:
- Active: Recently erupted and showing signs of activity.
- Dormant: Not erupted recently but expected to erupt again.
- Extinct: Never erupted in recorded history.
- Explosive: Sends ashes, gas, and lava high into the atmosphere.
- Effusive: Magma rises and lava flows out of the surface.

Exogenic Processes

Weathering: Physical and chemical breakdown of rocks by weather and climate.
- Mechanical Weathering: Breakdown without changing chemical composition.
  - Frost Wedging: Water freezing and thawing within rocks.
  - Insolation: Rock expansion and contraction due to temperature changes.
  - Unloading: Removal of overlying rocks.
- Chemical Weathering: Breakdown with changes in chemical composition.
  - Oxidation: Minerals react with oxygen and water.
  - Hydrolysis: Minerals react with water.
  - Carbonation: CO2 in rocks reacts with water.
- Biological Weathering: Caused by plants and animals (e.g., root growth, burrowing).
Mass Wasting: Movement of rock and soil down a slope due to gravity.
- Rockfall: Freefall of rocks from a steep cliff.
- Avalanche: Large mass of snow, ice, and rocks falling quickly.
- Landslide: Movement of rocks and soil downhill.
  - Translational: Moves along a flat surface.
  - Rotational: Moves along a curved surface.
  - Flows: Rock materials saturated with water moving like a fluid.
    - Slurry: Mixture of water and solid particles.
    - Granular: Mostly solid particles with little water.
Erosion: Transport of weathered sediments by agents.
- Agents: Gravity, wind, running water, waves.

Methods in Determining Rock Age

Catastrophism: Earth's landscapes shaped by sudden, short-lived events.
Uniformitarianism: Gradual and consistent processes shaping Earth's surface.
Relative Dating: Estimating the approximate age of rocks.
Stratigraphy: Studying rock layers and their positions
- Law of Stratigraphy:
  - Superposition: Younger rocks are on top of older rocks.
  - Original Horizontality: Rocks were originally horizontal.
  - Lateral Continuity: Layers extend laterally.
  - Cross-Cutting Relationships: Younger features cut across older ones.
  - Inclusion: Included pieces are older than the surrounding rock.
Unconformity: Gaps in rock sequences, indicating erosion or deposition pauses.
- Types: Paraconformity, Disconformity, Nonconformity, Angular unconformity.

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Description

Test your knowledge on endogenic and exogenic processes that shape the Earth! This quiz covers topics like plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanic activity, and weathering. Dive into the dynamic forces that evolve our planet's landscape.